In response to the Coronavirus Pandemic the Government have launched an additional discretionary fund to support small businesses who have been affected by COVID-19 and who are not eligible for the previously announced business support grants.

These grants are designed to help with property related costs and, in line with guidance issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and St Albans District Council’s Values and Behaviours, they are primarily and predominately aimed at the following business types: 

Regular Market Traders with fixed building costs who do not have their own business rate assessment – eligible for a grant up to a maximum of £10,000 as business costs likely to be less than other business types. Actual level of grant to be determined by the costs incurred, the impact of COVID-19 on business, whether other financial help is available and overall demand on discretionary funds.   

Bed and Breakfast Businesses who pay Council Tax rather than business rates – eligible for a grant up to a maximum of £10,000 as costs likely to be less than other business types. Actual level of grant to be determined by the costs incurred, the impact of COVID-19 on business, whether other financial help is available and overall demand on discretionary funds

Charity properties in receipt of charitable business rates relief who would have otherwise have been eligible for Small Business Rate Relief – eligible for a grant up to a maximum of £10,000 as likely to be occupying relatively small business properties. Actual level of grant to be determined by the costs incurred, the impact of COVID-19 on charity, whether other financial help is available and overall demand on discretionary funds.  

Micro Businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces who do not have their own business rate assessment – eligible for a grant up to a maximum of £10,000 as likely to be occupying relatively small business properties. Actual level of grant to be determined by the costs incurred, number of employees, the impact of COVID-19 on business, whether other financial help is available and overall demand on discretionary funds

Small Businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces who do not have their own business rate assessment – eligible for a grant of up to a maximum of £10,000 or a grant of £25,000 as property related costs likely to be higher than other groups. Actual level of grant to be determined by the costs incurred, number of employees, the impact of COVID-19 on business, whether other financial help is available and overall demand on discretionary funds.

Independent Businesses who are not eligible for other Government Support towards their building costs, are considered to help make the district a vibrant place to live and work in, and who can demonstrate they have suffered a significant fall in income due to the COVID-19 crisis. Eligible for a grant of up to a maximum of £10,000 or a grant of £25,000 as property related costs likely to be higher than other groups. Actual level of grant to be determined by the costs incurred, number of employees, the impact of COVID-19 on business, whether other financial help is available and overall demand on discretionary funds.

These grants are subject to European Union rules on State Aid, although this is unlikely to be an issue for the types of business who will potentially be eligible. However, you are advised to take independent advice as to whether State Aid limits could be applicable to your business.